The
FEI Bureau held its statutory meeting on 4 and 5 December 2003
at Jerudong (BRU) on the kind invitation of the Brunei Equine
Association.

The
following items were discussed, approved and/or will be presented
for approval to the 2004 General Assembly:

MARKETING AND COMMERCIAL MATTERS
The introduction of the Samsung Super League has been a great
success and the FEI Bureau expressed its appreciation to the Organisers
and National Federations
involved as well as to Samsung Electronics Co for their invaluable
support to both the Samsung Nations Cup Series and the Samsung
Super League.

STRATEGIC
PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee reported on the
works of the Committee. Further to extensive consultation with
the National Federations, a final proposal to solve the Pay Card
issue will be presented to the FEI General Assembly in April 2004.

The
Strategic Planning Committee has begun the new task of establishing
a new Strategic Plan for the next five to ten years and has already
held a meeting with the FEI Secretariat to gather their views
on the future plan.

DEVELOPMENT
The Bureau acknowledged the written report of the 1st Vice President.

The
Bureau approved the coaching system developed by the FEI Development
Working Group as well as the basic structure for developing National
Federations.

STATUTES
AND GENERAL REGULATIONS
The revision of the Statutes and General Regulations to be approved
by the 2004 General Assembly was studied by the Bureau.

Statutes
The Financial charges (Art 006) will have to be clarified with
well defined responsibilities of the FEI, the NFs and the Organising
Committees (OCs).

The
composition of Technical Committee (Art 040-048) will be revised
according to the specific needs of each discipline.

General
Regulations
Calendar: A more flexible system for lower level events and date
protection for top level events will be established.

Nationality
of competitors: a more flexible rule is needed for competitors
living abroad, especially in countries where the possibility to
obtain citizenship is strictly controlled. Consideration of permanent
resident status should be reviewed.

OLYMPIC
REGULATIONS
The deadline set for NFs and National Olympic Committees (NOCs)
to gain eligibility to take part in the Olympic Games 2004 in
Athens of Saturday 1 May 2004 has been extended until 2 May 2004
to include the competitions of the full week-end.

FINANCE
The 2004 and 2005 budgets, which have been prepared using two
separate entities to better record the distinct activities of
the FEI Secretariat and new Commercial Division, was approved.
The new commercial division will be responsible for all sponsorship
activities, TV, marketing and franchising rights as well as FEI
Series such as the World Cup and Samsung Nations Cup Series and
Samsung Super League.

CHF
474.000 was allocated to the Development Fund, which will also
be in charge of the budget for the FEI Challenge (Development
competitions in umping and Dressage).

The
Financial charges for 2004 were approved for presentation to the
2004 General Assembly.

The
Bureau approved the fees to be introduced on a progressive basis
from 2004 to 2009 for presentation to the 2004 General Assembly.
The decision was based on inflation rates over the last 10 years
in a selection of countries.

A
schedule to increase the Organising Dues was presented, which
was currently under discussion with the International Equestrian
Alliance of Organisers (IEOA).

2004
OLYMPIC GAMES
The report on the test event held from 15 to 17 August 2003 in
Athens was acknowledged by the Bureau (see FEI Press news 19 August
2003).

PAN
AMERICAN GAMES
The 2nd Vice President reported on the very successful 2003 Pan
American Games which have taken place in Santo Domingo (DOM).
In contrast to the 2003 edition of the Games, which only included
Dressage and Jumping competitions, the 2007 Pan Am Games to be
organised in Rio de Janeiro (BRA) will include all three Olympic
disciplines. As participation quotas have been established for
all sports since 1999, and as the Pan Am Games are used for Olympic
qualification, negotiations will be initiated by the Brazilian
NF with the Organising Committee to increase the quota for equestrian
sport.

ASIAN
GAMES
A booklet with a compilation of relevant rules applying to the
Asian Games to be organised in Doha in December 2006 will be produced
by the FEI Secretariat.
The Asian Games will include at least Jumping, Dressage and Endurance.

EU
MATTERS
The Executive Board confirmed the appointment of the President
of the
Belgian NF, Mr Jacky Buchmann as Chairman of the European Union
Working
Group.

GEOGRAPHICAL
GROUP REPORTS

Group
I
The following major issues, discussed during a Group meeting in
October 2003, were presented to the Bureau:

.
The Group considered the report on the first meeting of a European
Union Working Group had taken place in August 2003.
. A number of articles regarding the nationality of competitors,
official calendar, financial charges and modifications to the
veterinary regulations were considered in connection with the
revision of the FEI Statutes and General Regulations.
. The test event for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, the Eventing
Horse Passport and the online registration for Eventing procedure
were also discussed. The development of a 4* short format Eventing
Series concept was supported.

Group
II
The following major issues, discussed during the Group meeting
in October 2003, were presented to the Bureau:
. Group II advised the FEI that in case of a vacancy, the possibility
to organise a Super League event should be given to National Federations
having taken part in the Series.
. In connection with the revision of the FEI Statutes and General
Regulations, the Group discussed the issues of the selection of
teams and individuals in relation to the European Union laws,
allocation, and the control and cancellation of and working agreements
with international event organisers. The Group also discussed
the possibility to comment on proposals by the FEI committees
before these are presented to the FEI Bureau and/or General Assembly.
. The Group member NFs requested that they be kept informed of
the new developments in the EU animal transportation regulations.
. The FEI was requested to regularly inform the NFs about the
developments on agreements between the FEI and the World Anti
Doping Agency (WADA). . The Group supported the proposal for a
new Nordic Baltic Championship below the Senior level.

Group
III
The view that Group III could not function as a whole and that
restructuring was necessary was expressed. It was also strongly
suggested that all international riders should be registered in
a database in order to avoid that variations in the spelling names
have an influence on the technical results and rankings.

Group
IV
The Pan American Games have been the highlight of the season.
The excellent performances of USA, Canada and Mexico were acknowledged
and the fact that Barbados have sent a Dressage team to an international
competition for the first time was noted. The FEI Challenge competitions
have increased in popularity but the member NFs faced two important
issues for the upcoming year: the communication of the rules for
the Finals and the frustration in dealing with veterinary and
quarantine regulations when riders from the Group seeked to compete
outside their region.

Group
V
The Group expressed its satisfaction at the member federations'
successful performance at the Pan American Games which took place
in the Dominican Republic: one gold (Puerto Rico in Jumping),
two silver and two bronze medals.

Group
VI
It was reported that Brazil had organised an excellent South American
Jumping Championship for Juniors and Children. However, the number
of participants has decreased due to the high cost of long distance
travelling. The Group was therefore considering to hold events
every two years (instead of every year) in order to enable the
member NFs to gather the necessary funds.

Group
VII
A slight increase in the number of international competitions
was noted. However, the big distances between the member countries
and the disparity in means and goals are major obstacles to the
development of a common strategy. Development activities such
as technical courses and seminars should therefore be organised
on a closer geographical and common language basis.

Group
VIII
Subjects of common interest to the Group members such as calendar
fees and Jumping and Dressage qualification trials for the 2008
Olympic Games were brought to the attention of the Bureau.

Group
IX
The good dynamics of the Group and the increase in the number
of FEI Challenge competitions in Dressage and Jumping were acknowledged.

JUMPING
Samsung Super League and Samsung Nations Cup Series

Following
the experience gained at the end of the first season of the Samsung
Super League, and the comments received from all the parties involved,
the Bureau approved several clarifications and rules modifications
for the 2004 season such as:

-
All Super League teams will return to the second round

-
the top three teams in the Samsung Nations Cup Series after one
third of the season will have the right to participate in all
remaining events

-
Non-Super League teams will no longer obtain points in Super League
competitions

-.In
the Nations Cup Series, points will be awarded according to the
team classification within that competition irrespective of the
participation of teams from the Super League.

Junior
participation at CSI two-star events
As of 2004, Junior riders once they have reached the age of 16
years are permitted to participate in Grand Prix competitions
at CSI two-star events.

2006
WEG and European Championships
The team competition at the 2006 WEG will be run over two days.
If requested by the Organising Committee the team competition
at the 2005 European Championship may also be run over two days.
The number of individual participants in the second round of the
team competition will be limited.

2005
European Championship - speed
Due to the size of the arena to be used for the 2005 European
Championship in San Patrignano (ITA) the speed in the Championship
competitions will be reduced from 400 m/min. to 375 m/min.

Minimum
prize money for European and World Championships A minimum prize
fund of CHF 450.000 (Swiss francs) for European and World Jumping
Championship competitions was established.

Amateur
Owner Category
A new rider category for amateur owner was established for international
events.

Entry
fees for Continental Junior and Young Riders Championships The
maximum amount permitted to be charged as entry fee per horse
for Continental Championships for Young Riders and Juniors is
CHF 375.00

Nomination
of riders for CSI events
The FEI Secretariat has the right to nominate two riders for each
CSI.

Sponsor
Team Competitions and Team Registration
The Bureau approved rules for sponsor team competitions and for
the registration of sponsored teams.
- Non registered teams cannot compete in a commercial team competition,
which also applies to the Riders Tour Team classification.
- Teams may not represent a political or religious organisation.

CSI
Events - Distribution of prize money
Events which distribute prize money based on the accumulation
of points over a number of competitions at the same event must
offer at least CHF 525.000 in prize money for such a formula to
be authorized by the FEI.

Olympic
Games Competition Formula
The Chairman of the Jumping Committee presented a proposal for
a new Olympic formula the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing (CHN),
aimed at making the jumping competitions at the Olympic Games
more attractive for TV viewers and spectators.

The
proposed formula will be sent to National Federations for review
and approval at the 2004 General Assembly. It will also be available
from FEI website.

EVENTING
The Bureau acknowledged the principles proposed by the Eventing
Committee for the redefinition of Eventing formats to be implemented
in 2005 (complete proposal is available on the FEI website, section
reference, working documents)

The
proposal included
Redefinition of Eventing format with:
- CCI Long: traditional CCI with roads and tracks and steeple
chase
- CCI Short: introduction of CCI short format as traditional CCI
without road and tracks and steeple chase including compulsory
Horse Inspection and Jumping as last test
- CIC format for lower level events

FEI
Championship format
All existing FEI Championships (Senior Continental, Young Riders,
Juniors and Regional) will be organised in the CCI short format
with the exception of the World Equestrian Games that shall retain
the option for the long format.

Technical
requirements (format and qualifications)
The technical requirements and qualifications are still under
consideration and will be sent to NFs for review before the 2004
General Assembly.

Directives
and criteria for organising four star events will be worked out
for inclusion in the 2005 revision of the Eventing rules.

The
new version of the Eventing Memorandum will be published in January
2004.

Clarifications
to the present rules were approved by the Bureau, including the
fact that Young Riders and Juniors competitions were open equally
to horses and ponies, provided they and their riders meet the
relevant qualification criteria.

DRESSAGE
The Bureau approved the rule clarifications and changes to become
effective as of 1 January 2004, including the main following points:

-.
Art. 401.1 will be changed to reflect the object of Dressage which
is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious
education.
- 15 riders will be allowed both in the Grand Prix Special and
the Freestyle.
- For CDI 3* and CDI-W, the draw of the Grand Prix Special or
Freestyle will be in reverse order of the Grand Prix result.
- For championships and CDIO 3* the starting order of the Freestyle
will be in reverse order of the Grand Prix plus Grand Prix Special
results.

DRIVING
A second Combined World Pony Championship was agreed to be based
on the success of the first run on a trial basis.

The
revision of the Driving rules to be presented for approval to
the 2004 General Assembly was acknowledged by the Bureau. Among
the most important changes in the rules to become effective on
1 January 2005 are the following:

-
The number of drivers and horses that may be entered at championships
was increased
- Rules for Combined Championships was introduced in the rules
- Rules pertaining to Conflict of interest were strengthened
- At championship level, the Marathon will include three phases
- A number of articles were rewritten to ensure the welfare of
the competing horses and ponies
- A draw procedure for starting order was defined in more details
for all levels of competitions.
- The descriptions of the Dressage movements have been rewritten
and a new test included.
- The duties Obstacle Observers were defined
- A drive-off must be run in case of equality at CAIO and championships
- Rules for competitions with winning round were introduced

ENDURANCE
In the frame of the revision of the Endurance Rules to be presented
for approval by the 2004 General Assembly, the Bureau agreed on
the basis for the introduction of a star rating for Endurance
officials. The aim of this rating is to ensure that FEI officials
have the necessary experience and knowledge to undertake their
tasks efficiently at the different levels of events. The star
ratings are based on a worldwide programme of courses to provide
an ongoing education and improvement for all FEI Endurance
officials.

The
assessment of Officials will be made according to an agreed protocol
to be established by the Endurance Committee as well as fixed
criteria.

Among
the main proposed rules changes the following were particularly
mentioned:
- The course distance may be reduced to take into account local
climatic differences
- The weight is reduced in the lower level events to a minimum
of 70 kg.
- The requirements for officials for International events and
their role are defined in more details
- The Endurance rides are defined in stars (four stars for high
level events and championships, 1 star for one day events between
40 and 79 km), and a maximum Pulse at Vet Gates and Final Inspection
is specified.
- The role of the Veterinary Commission is strengthened and the
veterinary inspections explained in details.
Like in the other disciplines, the new rules have been defined
with a view to further strengthen the welfare of the horse, especially
in this rapidly expanding discipline which has proved to be popular
all over the world.

VAULTING
The revision of the Vaulting rules to be approved by the 2004
General Assembly for enforcement on 1 January 2005 was acknowledged
by the Bureau.

The
Bureau approved the creation of a Vaulting Working Group to develop
the sport outside Europe and to compile information for the countries
not yet practicing Vaulting.

REINING
The Bureau acknowledged the report by the Chairman of the Reining
Committee.

The
FEI Reining Masters were confirmed to take place in 2004 with
a minimum prize fund of CHF 200,000 for the Final in Oklahoma
City (USA).

Several
minor rules amendments concerning welfare, safety and a reduction
in the number of judges necessary for lower level events were
approved for implementation on 1 January 2004.

CHILDREN
The Chairman of the Children's Committee reported on the healthy
development of the Children's competition, as well as the increasing
number of Dressage competitions organised for Children.

VETERINARY
MATTERS
Medication
An update on medication issues was presented with the future direction
of medication control in the FEI. This included plans to permit
the use of Regumate (altrenogest) to suppress excessive signs
of heat in mares competing in FEI competitions and a possible
lowering of the threshold for Salicylic Acid (Aspirin). There
has been concern about the possibility of some illegal use of
sedatives in Eventing which is being investigated.

Horse
Inspections
The improvements with regard to a standardisation for Horse Inspections
were highlighted and a revision of veterinary examinations at
one day events (CICs) is being considered.

Endurance
A new temporary Subcommittee has been established to advise on
veterinary issues in Endurance, which will report to the Veterinary
and Endurance Technical Committees. The FEI is also launching
a research programme next year on horse welfare in Endurance Riding
to monitor the physiological changes during a controlled 160 km
ride, with the aim to minimise the risks of injury or exhaustion
in this discipline.

Influenza
There is concern by the Veterinary Committee after a large outbreak
of influenza in the UK last year that the current protocol of
annual vaccinations is not resulting in a sufficient protection
in FEI horses. A proposal will be submitted to the General Assembly
to reduce the time interval between booster vaccinations to overcome
this problem and prevent an outbreak of this disease, related
to horses competing in FEI competitions.

LEGAL
The Chairman of the Judicial Committee explained the legal procedures
and highlighted the prominent cases of the year.

CALENDAR
The 2004 calendar of International Events was approved.

AFFILIATIONS
The Bureau approved the affiliation of the Cayman (CAY) Equestrian
Federation to be included in Geographical Group IV, thus bringing
the number of FEI affiliated member federations to 131.

The
FEI would like to thank the President of the Brunei Equine Association,
Dato Paduka HJ Abdul Rahman bin Haji Mohiddin and his team for
their hard work and care in the preparation of the meetings.